Living and working in Greece
Greece is the country of tzatziki, ouzo, Greek mythology, olives, wine, Acropolis, summer and a wealth of stunning islands. But it is also the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, theater, and the Olympic Games.
Living in Greece means that you will enjoy lot’s of coffee, beach days and street cats. Life will be social, relaxed, and outdoors-oriented. Much better than daily life in Northern Europe. But what else does the country have to offer? And what is it like to live there? Lets dig deeper to give you a better idea of what it would be like to start living and working in Greece.
Latest available jobs in Greece
Polish Content Moderator in Thessaloniki, Greece | Jobsqd
Apply for a Polish-speaking content moderator role in Thessaloniki, Greece. Digital platforms sector. Relocation support included. Apply via JobSqd.
Dutch Customer Service Advisor in Thessaloniki, Greece | Jobsqd
Apply for a Dutch-speaking customer service role in Thessaloniki, Greece. Customer support sector. Relocation support included. Apply via JobSqd.
Polish Customer Service Advisor in Thessaloniki, Greece | Jobsqd
Apply for a Polish-speaking customer service role in Thessaloniki, Greece. Customer support sector. Relocation support included. Apply via JobSqd.
Currency
The Euro (€) has been the official currency in Greece since 2001. They joined EU in 1981
Famous people
Some famous Greek people are Aristotle, Homer, Haris Alexiou, and Antonios Nikopolidis
Population
Greece has ~10.6 million residents, and almost half of them living in Athens
Typical food
Souvlaki, moussaka, Greek salad, octopus, seafood, dolmades baklava
Avg. working week
Greece has an average of 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
Greece is located in south eastern Europe and borders the Mediterranean Sea
Languages
The official language is Greek, and they use the Greek alphabet and Latin script
Healthcare
Self-paid insurance, high standards, some free public appointments via ESY or the Greek Healthcare System
What you need to know about living in Greece
Greece has beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses and amazing mountain landscapes. A lot of fundamental concepts to our way of life today come from ancient Greece:
- Just think about how many words in our own vocabulary have their origins in the Greek language, with words like democracy, politics and philosophy.
- Ancient Greece has also left clear traces in contemporary architecture, sports, and many other places. In short, it is difficult to imagine what the world would have looked like without the great influence of ancient Greece.
More things you want to know if you start living and working in Greece:
- Something Greece is best known for: the amount of islands. In the Greek archipelago there are more than 2,000 islands, of which only a few hundred are inhabited. Some of the islands are both well-known and beloved holiday islands, such as Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, and Corfu.
- Greece has a coastline of almost 14,000 km.
- The capital Athens has more years behind it than most European cities. It has been inhabited for 3,000 years.
What is it like to work in Greece?
In Greek workplaces, relationships are important. Greeks want to work and trade with people they know, and therefore building relationships – and perhaps even friendships – in professional contexts are a big part of Greek work culture. It can take a long time and require many dinners and meetings to reach an agreement. On the other hand, agreements are binding and must be respected once they have been entered into, and this applies to both written and oral agreements.
- Although the economy in Greece has been passing through difficult times, the tourism industry is part of the 20% of the GDP.
- You can find job offers in multinational companies of this area, such as customer support agents, travel agents and more related to multilingual speaking jobs.
- In recent times there’s a growing need in Athens and Crete for people who not only speaks English but also manage other languages like Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, German, Dutch, and more. At Job Squad you will find plenty of offers for multiple languages available.
How to find housing in Greece
This is how you find housing in Greece:
- Start your housing search online on Greek housing portals like xe.gr or spitogatos.gr, and ask around in your network.
- It could also be that your employer abroad has apartments available or knows some good places to apply. In any case, it is smart to start the search well in advance so that you do not stand without a roof over your head the first time.
In major cities like Athens, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost between €700-€900 a month. Outside of the center in Athens, rent prizes drop to €500-€900 a month. In smaller Greek cities a 1-bedroom apartment will cost you around €400-€700 a month. If you want to save money on housing, start looking for a shared apartment. You share your rent with others and get to know people easily at the same time.
Average salary in Greece
The average salary in Greece depends on the job and your experience. As a young expat, entry level customer support jobs will have a salary ranging from €900 to €1,100. Entry/mid-level jobs in IT Support or Technical Support will earn you €1,600-€2,200 a month. Keep in mind that every job has a different salary, this is just an indication.
Taxes in Greece
In Greece, you are taxed on your global income, and the rate is between 9% and 44%. You must pay the highest tax rate if your income exceeds 40,000 euros per year. Most likely, you will pay around 22 % taxes of your income in Greece if you work in the hospitality industry.
What you have to fix when moving to Greece
If you start living and working in Greece, there are some things you have to fix before you can enjoy the sunny life:
- Visa / residence permit: register for a certificate of registration if you stay over 3 months.
- Social security number: Needed for healthcare, employment, and sometimes banking. Might be fixed by your employer.
- Tax number: Mandatory for opening a bank account, renting, and paying bills.
- Greek bank account
- Healthcare: might also be provided by your employer.
- Greek SIM
Popular cities in Greece
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Life in Greece
Living in Greece means enjoying the blend of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, which creates an extraordinary lifestyle. Imagine diving into the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, discovering hidden coves in the Cyclades, or sailing along the beautiful coastline of the Ionian Islands. With over 2000 islands to explore, you will for sure find your own slice of paradise.
Greece also has many festivals and traditions. Easter is one of the celebrations, where the streets come alive with music, fireworks, and the smashing of pots. Experience the atmosphere of Greek dancing during traditional festivities where locals and visitors of all ages come together to dance all night.
Cultural experiences in a class of their own
Have you ever received a postcard from a holiday in Greece? Then there is a good chance that the motif has been a whitewashed church adorned with a blue dome. For many, this very image is the epitome of Greece, and it is indeed typical of the archipelago called the Cyclades, and especially Santorini. But not for all of Greece:
- Every group of islands and the mainland is extremely diverse when it comes to landscape, architecture, traditional dishes, and colours.
- Both the landscape and the culture of Greece vary depending on where you are geographically located.
- Greece also offers big cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras. The fascinating thing is that modern city life in Greece always takes place with memories of ancient Greece as a backdrop – in Athens, you will find, for example, the Parthenon temple located on the Acropolis, which today is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions.
Explore Greek cuisine
Can you think of Greece without thinking of feta, olives, and ouzo?
- Greece is world famous for its culinary traditions, which are characterised by the fresh, simple, and amazing ingredients available.
- The Mediterranean is a true paradise of seafood, which in Greece is enjoyed in great style, and with the many islands and the long coastline, it is no wonder that the Greeks are experts in cooking just these.
What are the costs of living in Greece?
The average costs of living depend on the location in Greece. Athens is the most expensive place in the country, while life on smaller islands or cities is a bit cheaper. Below you can see what the prizes in Greece are for a regular expat life:
- Groceries: €150-€300 a month
- Basic meal in a restaurant: €15-€20
- Coffee in a café: €2-€4
- Beer in a bar: €3-€5
- Gym membership: €25-€45 a month
- Cinema ticket: €7-€10
Still not convinced about Greece?
There is a lot to when you start living and working in Greece. If you are looking for hidden gems in Athens, then read our blog about it! Here are some other things you can’t miss when living in Greece:
- Strol through the narrow streets of Athens, where ancient ruins and monuments stand proud next to vibrant street art.
- Stumble across iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, the ancient Olympic Stadium, and many other well-kept monuments all over Greece.
- Head to the romantic island Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and blue-domed architecture.
- Delve into history by visiting the archaeological site of Delphi which is an ancient sanctuary with impressive ruins.
- Crete is absolutely also mention-worthy, offering a mix of charming villages, amazing beaches, and the historic Palace of Knossos.
- But to be fair, you really can’t go wrong no matter which islands you choose to visit, they’re all stunning, captivating, and picturesque.
But Greece is not all about beaches and historical sites:
- The natural beauty and warm climate provide an endless amount of options for outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, and exploring majestic landscapes such as the stunning Meteora.
- It is also an amazing place for skiing providing beautiful views in the amazing mountains in the mainland.
- The idyllic and authentic villages up north should definitely also be on your bucket list. You can find many bus excursions to such places.
Blogs we wrote about Greece
FAQ
No, you do not need a work permit if you are an EU/EEA citizen, but if you are staying for longer than three months you will need to apply for an EU card that allows you to live in Greece.
In Greece, English proficiency varies among individuals, but generally, you can expect to find a decent level of English comprehension, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. It is very recommendable to learn some Greek phrases as a sign of respect, and it will make things easier if you plan to stick around for a while.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate which means:
- Spring: 15–22°C. Mild and gradually warming, with plenty of sunny days.
- Summer: 27–33°C. Hot and dry, with lots of sunshine.
- Autumn: 18–26°C. Warm early in the season, cooling gradually.
- Winter: 10–15°C. Mild and wetter, especially in coastal areas.
Greece has good public transportation. In Athens there are extensive metro/train systems and bus routes available, as well as the tram. From the ports (e.g. Piraeus in Athens) you can go by ferries to all the islands and even do scheduled island jumps. You can buy tickets using ticket machines at the stations (the same ticket is used for both metro/train/bus/tram within the city), and you can order ferry tickets on site and online.
In Athens you can buy a 24-hour unlimited pass for €4,10. A monthly pass in Athens will cost you around €27-€30. A monthly pass for metro & buses in Thessaloniki is €16.
Greeks are famous for their hospitality and help you, even more, when they realise you’re learning the language. You can find Greek courses with immersive experiences for you to learn the actual culture behind the language.